02-10-2009 Council Work Session Packet

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Orono City Council Committee of the Whole February 10, 2009,6:15 p.m. Orono City Council Chambers Present: Mayor Jim White, Council Members Lili McMillan, Doug Franchot,Jim Murphy and Cynthia Bremer; City Administrator Bill Wells, Finance Director Ron Olson, Assistant City Administrator for Long-Term Strategy Mike Gaffron, City Clerk Lin Vee 1. Engineer's Report A. Casco Point Reconstruction Project Update • Kellogg reviewed the proposed schedule with the contract being awarded at the end of March or beginning of April. Schedule will be extended out a few weeks but will not affect construction timelines. • State allows different "best value procurement" method for one project per year per city until 2011—allows award based on low bid as well as other criteria the city determines; not obligated to take low bidder. After 2011, cities are not limited on the number of projects that use the "best value procurement" method. o Sample of criteria that could be used includes: lowest price-40%; quality-20%; timeliness-20%; performing on budget-10%, key personnel-10% o Bonestroo is working on criteria list and points for this project with Soren reviewing. o A group of 4-6 people would be selected to evaluate the bids who would also go through a short training session. • Survey results were briefly discussed. There is clearly not a majority who want to include undergrounding utilities as part of this project. • Decorative street lighting could be considered as part of the project. Some residents have installed their own light and pay the utility bill. Lights and who owns them should be identified by Xcel. City would need plans before further discussion and should also consider a city-wide policy regarding lighting. The current lighting ordinance is very minimal and doesn't address light pollution. There may not be significant cost savings to include lighting with the project rather than doing at a later time. However, residents may perceive as additional disturbance if lighting is done later and not included with project. Bonestroo will put together some lighting options and bring back to Council in 2 weeks. B. Discussion Regarding Myrtlewood Sewer/Water Project • Public hearing is scheduled for February 23. Myrtlewood neighborhood is fairly easy to review. 850 and 875 Wayzata Boulevard are bigger issues with total cost for these two properties at$350,000. The two Wayzata Boulevard property owners will probably want to discuss at the public hearing. Proposed 2" pipe for 850 Wayzata Boulevard would be sufficient for higher density use if needed in the future (25-30 units). • Water—property owners could hook up later as has been done with sewer in the past. To take advantage of the assessment over 15 years, they would have to participate in the project from the beginning. If they wait, they would have to pay the full amount when they want to hook up. A new well would be approximately$10,000. Another benefit of city water would be a closer proximity of water hydrants that often improves insurance rates.